Park Hong-geun on 'Lee Jae-myung Responsibility Theory': "Election Defeat Should Not Focus on a Single Person"

Hongkeun Park's Press Briefing on the 8th
The Party Will Conduct a Comprehensive Evaluation Through Official Assessment Bodies
On Criticism That 'Woosangho Emergency Committee' Fades 586 Resignation Theory
Emphasizes the Importance of Practical Conflict Resolution Skills

Park Hong-geun, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press conference on urgent issues including the formation of an Emergency Response Committee at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Park Hong-geun, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending a press conference on urgent issues including the formation of an Emergency Response Committee at the National Assembly on the 8th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Park Hong-geun, Acting Party Leader and Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, sought to calm tensions within the party on the 8th regarding the 'Lee Jae-myung Responsibility Theory' following the June 1 local elections, stating, "We should not focus on holding a specific individual accountable."

At a press conference held at the National Assembly on the 8th, Park said, "We will complete the formation of the emergency committee and begin a comprehensive evaluation of the election defeat through briefings and official meetings." The Democratic Party decided on the appointments for the emergency committee, including Chairman Woo Sang-ho, at a party members' meeting the previous day and is awaiting approval from the party affairs committee.

Regarding criticism that the '586 Retirement Theory' proposed by former emergency committee member Park Ji-hyun has faded, Park responded, "There was a consensus that an innovative emergency committee should be composed of incumbent lawmakers who can realistically resolve conflicts since there are only two months until the party convention." He added, "Chairman Woo maintained neutrality during the presidential primary, and his strengths lie in mediation, harmony, and crisis resolution. This decision was made after sufficient consultation."

On changes to the party convention rules, Park gave a general answer, saying, "If viewed as an issue of advantage or disadvantage to a specific candidate, conflicts will only intensify. We will keep an open mind and review what rules need to be supplemented for the Democratic Party's change and reform." At the party convention, the preliminary election for party leader and supreme council members is conducted through votes by the Central Committee delegates, while the final vote combines 45% from national delegates, 40% from party members with voting rights, 10% from general public opinion polls, and 5% from general party members' opinion polls. Pro-Lee Jae-myung lawmakers are pushing to increase the weight of party members' votes, but opposition voices are growing, deepening internal party strife.

Regarding the ongoing standoff with the ruling party over retaining the 'Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chairperson' position, Park expressed no intention to reach an agreement, stating, "It is absolutely unacceptable to equate the 'Speaker of the National Assembly' with the 'Legislation and Judiciary Committee Chairperson.' It is like putting the president and the Minister of Justice on the same scale."

However, internal disputes over the 'Lee Jae-myung Responsibility Theory' following the local election defeat continued. On the same day, lawmaker Hong Young-pyo criticized Senior Adviser Lee Jae-myung on the radio, saying, "It is a lie to say that he ran in the election to sacrifice himself for the party. 70 to 80 percent of the party opposed Lee's candidacy." Regarding his own potential candidacy for the party leadership election, he hinted positively, stating, "If the Democratic Party continues in this state, I believe it cannot regain the public's trust."

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